# The EFF has welcomed the Southern African Development Community’s decision to terminate the mandate of its mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commence the phased withdrawal of troops. The conflict with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels led to the deaths of at least 19 soldiers from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania. The mission was deployed in December 2023. The EFF says the continued deterioration of security in eastern DRC, particularly the capture of Goma and Bukavu, further demonstrated the failure of mission to achieve its objectives.
EFF welcomes decision for a phased withdrawal of SADC troops in eastern DRC